Scotland squad announced for Pakistan ODIs

EDINBURGH - The Scotlandsquad has been announced for the two upcoming one-day internationals against Pakistan on May 17 and 19. Kyle Coetzer leads his side for the first time after being unveiled as Gordon Drummond's successor as captain.Former Under-19 batsman Freddie Coleman earned his inclusion in the squad following his 64 runs against Essex on Sunday. Majid Haq will have the opportunity to become Scotland 's leading wicket-taker in one-day internationals. He has 41 scalps to his name, the same number as John Blain.Cricket Scotland contracted players, Richie Berrington and Moneeb Iqbal, made the squad , along with vice-captain Preston Mommsen, who will look to continue the recent form that has brought him 130 unbeaten runs against Hampshire and Essex in the 2013 YB40.Allrounder Rob Taylor was included after performing for Leicestershire, while Northamptonshire's first choice wicketkeeper David Murphy was called up. Neil Carter and Ian Wardlaw will also be looking to create an impact after making their debuts for Scotland against Afghanistan earlier in the year."We are really looking forward to the challenge," Scotland head coach Pete Steindl said. "Pakistan are full of fantastic cricketers, but we will be bringing our fighting qualities, and expect a strong performance in front of a home crowd."Scotland Squad : Kyle Coetzer (capt), Preston Mommsen (vc), Richie Berrington, Neil Carter, Freddie Coleman, Josh Davey, Gordon Drummond, Majid Haq, Moneeb Iqbal, Matt Machan, David Murphy, Rob Taylor, Iain Wardlaw.Visa issue delays Shoaib Malik's departure for IrelandPakistan's former captain, Shoaib Malik and the vigilance officer Major (retd) Asghar could not leave with the national team for Ireland on Tuesday due to visa problems.While the rest of the squad departed as per schedule from Lahore airport, Malik and Asghar were left behind and will now join the team in a couple of days in Ireland or Scotland .Sources in the board said that both could not leave with the team as their visas for Ireland could not be processed on time. Pakistan will play two ODIs in Ireland and Scotland before going to England for the ICC Champions Trophy."They will now most probably join the team in Scotland as they have got visas for England," one source said. The Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to send a vigilance officer for the first time with the team because of the sensitivities involved with the tour.Pakistan are returning to England for the first time since the spot-fixing scandal in 2010. And the board has decided to send the vigilance officer to keep a strict eye on the activities and movements of the players. The team has a security manager, too."The board does not want a repeat of the 2010 scandal and the main duty of the vigilance officer is to ensure no unwanted or unwelcome people are close or in touch with the players," he said.